EP2682032B1 - Household appliance for cutting food with storage of food cutting accessories - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the technical field of household appliances for cutting food.

The present invention relates more particularly to devices provided with several accessories for cutting food.

The present invention relates in particular to apparatus for making food cuts in cubes or pieces.

The document EP 2 159 014 discloses a food cutting appliance having a storage cover for accommodating a plurality of food cutting accessories. However, this apparatus is intended to produce grated or minced type preparations.

The document WO 2012/017153 discloses a food cutting appliance intended for making cube or stick type preparations, comprising a rotary cutting element used with a static cutting element. However, this appliance does not offer a storage solution for other food cutting accessories.

An object of the present invention is to provide a food cutting appliance intended to realize different types of cutting, in which the storage of food cutting accessories is facilitated.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an appliance for food cutting comprising a static cutting element and several rotary cutting elements, in which the storage of food cutting accessories is facilitated.

These objects are achieved with a household food cutting appliance having a motor base secured to a magazine for receiving a cutting tool having a rotary cutting member and an element static cutting, the rotary cutting element comprising first cutting means and means for coupling to a rotational drive device arranged in the housing, the static cutting element comprising second cutting means and means blocking device for engaging in a fixed position with the magazine, the static cutting element having a shape enabling it to be inserted inside the rotary cutting element mounted in the housing so that the second cutting means intersects with the least part of the food cut by the first cutting means, because the apparatus comprises a locking cap having hooking means for engaging the magazine by housing the rotary cutting element stacked in at least one another rotary cutting element, and that the static cutting element comprises retaining means for engaging with the locking cap of the second cutting means is at least partially inserted inside the rotary cutting element. Thus an apparatus for making different types of cuts can present a compact and easily accessible storage of the various food cutting accessories including a static cutting element.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the retaining means engage with at least one retaining member outside the locking cap. This arrangement makes it easier to insert the static cutting element into the locking cap.

Advantageously then, the retaining means engage with an upper part of the locking cap. This arrangement facilitates the establishment of retaining means on the locking cap.

Advantageously, the outer retaining member surrounds one end of the locking cap. This arrangement reinforces the locking cap. This arrangement also allows a certain freedom of positioning of the static cutting element when the outer retaining member is circular.

Advantageously, the static cutting element has a discharge duct. This arrangement facilitates the reception of cut food by limiting their dispersion.

Advantageously, the retaining means come from the discharge duct of the static cutting element. This arrangement simplifies the construction of the static cutting element.

Advantageously then, the discharge duct is delimited by a bottom edge and a latch pivotally mounted on the bottom edge along an axis X-X ', the retaining means comprising the latch. This arrangement makes it possible to obtain effective maintenance of the static cutting element as well as easy installation and removal.

Advantageously then, the retaining means comprise the bottom edge. This arrangement makes it possible to obtain better retention of the static cutting element.

Advantageously, the retaining means of the static cutting element on the locking cap are chosen from the following categories: locking retaining means, snap-fastening retaining means, retaining means by screwing, bayonet retaining means.

According to a preferred embodiment, the retaining means also form the locking means. This arrangement simplifies the construction of the static cutting element. However, in storage configuration, it is not necessary that the static cutting element is held in fixed position with the locking cap, as with the store in working configuration.

Advantageously, the second food cutting means comprise a series of blades extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end of the rotary cutting element when the cutting tool is mounted in the magazine housing.

Advantageously, the first cutting means comprise at least one slicing member for cutting a piece of food.

Advantageously, the first cutting means comprise at least one series of blades substantially perpendicular to the generatrices of the revolution wall of the rotary cutting element, for slicing the food before cutting.

Advantageously, the rotational drive device comprises an axis adapted to cooperate by one of its ends with a drive output of the motorized base and carrying at the other of its ends a male member adapted to mesh an orifice. female drive formed in the second end of the rotary cutting element.

Advantageously, the magazine has an open end through which the cutting tool is inserted, said open end having a circular peripheral rim forming a hooking shoulder of the locking means of the static cutting element. This arrangement simplifies the production and assembly of rotary cutting elements.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective et en éclaté d'un appareil de préparation culinaire selon l'invention comportant un magasin, un jeu d'outils de découpe tronconiques empilés, un capot de verrouillage et un insert prévu pour coopérer avec au moins l'un des outils de découpe tronconiques,
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective de l'un des outils de découpe tronconiques, prévu pour coopérer avec l'insert illustré sur la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective de l'insert prévu pour coopérer avec l'outil de découpe tronconique illustré sur la figure 2,
• la figure 4 est une vue en coupe longitudinale du magasin logeant l'outil de découpe tronconique illustré sur la figure 2 recevant l'insert illustré sur la figure 3,
• la figure 5 est une vue de face du magasin illustré sur la figure 4 logeant l'outil de découpe tronconiques illustré sur la figure 2 recevant l'insert illustré sur la figure 3,
• la figure 6 est une première vue en perspective du capot de verrouillage illustré sur la figure 1,
• la figure 7 est une deuxième vue en perspective du capot de verrouillage illustré sur les figures 1 et 6,
• la figure 8 est une vue en coupe longitudinale du magasin logeant les outils de découpe tronconiques empilés illustrés sur la figure 1, retenus par le capot de verrouillage illustré sur les figures 1, 6 et 7, qui porte l'insert illustré sur les figures 1, 3, 4 et 5,
• la figure 9 est une vue perspective du magasin illustré sur la figure 8, logeant les outils de découpe tronconiques empilés illustrés sur la figure 1, retenus par le capot de verrouillage illustré sur les figures 1, 6 et 7, qui porte l'insert illustré sur les figures 1, 3, 4 et 5.

The invention will be better understood from the study of an exemplary embodiment, taken in a nonlimiting manner, illustrated in the appended figures, in which:

• the figure 1 is a perspective and exploded view of a food preparation apparatus according to the invention comprising a store, a set of stacked frustoconical cutting tools, a locking cap and an insert adapted to cooperate with at least one of frustoconical cutting tools,
• the figure 2 is a perspective view of one of the frustoconical cutting tools, intended to cooperate with the insert illustrated on the figure 1 ,
• the figure 3 is a perspective view of the insert adapted to cooperate with the frustoconical cutting tool illustrated on the figure 2 ,
• the figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the magazine housing the frustoconical cutting tool illustrated in FIG. figure 2 receiving the insert shown on the figure 3 ,
• the figure 5 is a front view of the store illustrated on the figure 4 housing the frustoconical cutting tool shown on the figure 2 receiving the insert shown on the figure 3 ,
• the figure 6 is a first perspective view of the locking cap illustrated on the figure 1 ,
• the figure 7 is a second perspective view of the locking cap illustrated on the figures 1 and 6 ,
• the figure 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the store housing the stacked frustoconical cutting tools illustrated in FIG. figure 1 , retained by the locking cap shown on the figures 1 , 6 and 7 , which carries the insert shown on the figures 1 , 3 , 4 and 5 ,
• the figure 9 is a perspective view of the store illustrated on the figure 8 , housing the stacked frustoconical cutting tools illustrated on the figure 1 , retained by the locking cap shown on the figures 1 , 6 and 7 , which carries the insert shown on the figures 1 , 3 , 4 and 5 .

The appliance used to cut food shown on the Figures 1 to 9 comprises a motorized base 1, a magazine 2 intended to receive various food cutting accessories 3, a locking cover 50, and a static cutting element 11.

The motor base 1 comprises a housing 17 housing an electric motor (not shown) connected to a drive output 18, if desired via a gear transmission. The electric motor is associated with control means such as for example a rotary knob 19.

As shown on the figure 1 , the magazine 2 is removably mounted on the motor base 1, with a bayonet lock.

The magazine 2 defines a housing 20 provided for mounting the food cutting accessories 3. The housing 20 has a frustoconical configuration and communicates with a feed conduit 28 receiving a pusher 29. The magazine 2 has one end open 24 having a circular peripheral rim 25.

The food cutting accessories 3 comprise a rotary cutting element 12, better visible on the figure 2 , intended for cutting sticks, as well as other rotary cutting elements 13, 14, 15, 16 provided for slicing, shredding or slicing the food. As shown in figure 8 , the apparatus comprises at least one other rotary cutting element 13, 14, 15, 16 in which the rotary cutting element 12 can be stacked.

The rotary cutting member 12 is adapted to be mounted in the housing 20 to be rotated.

Each other rotary cutting element 13, 14, 15, 16 is provided to be mounted in the housing 20 in place of the rotary cutting element 12, in order to be rotated.

The rotary cutting element 12 is associated with the static cutting element 11 to form a cutting tool 10 making it possible to obtain blanks in pieces, or even blanks of the cubic type.

The invention relates to the household food-cutting appliance comprising the motor base 1 integral with the magazine 2 for receiving the cutting tool 10 comprising the rotary cutting element 12 and the static cutting element 11.

As best seen on the figure 2 , the rotary cutting element 12 is of the type having a first end 31 open, a second end 32 opposite the first end 31, with a wall of revolution 34 joining the first end 31 to the second end 32. The rotary element cutting member 12 comprises first cutting means 30 carried by the revolution wall 34.

More particularly, the first cutting means 30 comprise at least one slicing member 35 providing a passage with the revolution wall 34.

More particularly still, the first cutting means 30 comprise at least one series of blades 36 substantially perpendicular to the generatrices of the revolution wall 34 of the rotary cutting element 12, extending in the passage.

In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the rotary cutting element comprises two series of blades 36 arranged in opposite manner, for splitting the food, and two sets of slicing members 35 arranged in opposite manner, arranged behind the blades 36 relative to the direction of rotation of the rotary cutting element 12, for slicing the pieces of slit food.

As visible on the figure 4 , the rotary cutting element 12 comprises coupling means 33 to a rotary drive device 21 arranged in the housing 20. The coupling means 33 are formed in the second end 32 of the rotary cutting element. 12.

The rotational drive device 21 comprises an axis 22 adapted to cooperate at one of its ends with the drive output 18 of the motor base 1 and carrying at the other end thereof a male member 23 adapted to mesh a female drive hole formed in the second end 32 of the rotary cutting element 12 or in the second end of each of the other rotary cutting elements 13, 14, 15, 16.

As visible on the figures 3 and 4 , the static cutting element 11 comprises second cutting means 40. The static cutting element 11 has a shape allowing its insertion inside the rotary cutting element 12 mounted in the housing 20 so that the second cutting means 40 intersect at least a portion of the food cut by the first cutting means 30. The static cutting member 11 provides at least one cut food passage 42 through the first end 31 of the rotary member cutting 12.

The static cutting element 11 also comprises locking means 41 for engaging in a fixed position with the magazine 2. The locking means 41 of the static cutting element 11 on the magazine 2 are chosen from the following categories: locking locking means, snap locking means, locking means by screwing, bayonet locking means.

More particularly in the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the second cutting means 40 comprise a series of blades 44 extending longitudinally between the first end 31 and the second end 32 of the rotary cutting element 12 when the cutting tool 10 is mounted in the housing 20 of the magazine 2. The static cutting element 11 has a discharge conduit 45 defined by a lower edge 46 and a latch 47 pivotally mounted on the lower edge 46. The discharge conduit 45 is at least partially engaged in the housing 20 when the static cutting element 11 is mounted on the magazine 2, as visible on the figure 8 . The blades 44 are fixedly mounted on a body 49 extending the lower edge 46. The lower edge 46 and the latch 47 each comprise a hook 46a, 47a provided to engage the circular peripheral rim 25 of the magazine 2. The locking means 41 of the static cutting element 11 thus comprise the latch 47 and the lower edge 46. The circular peripheral rim 25 forms a hooking shoulder 26 of the locking means 41 of the static cutting element 11, as visible on the figure 4 .

As shown on the Figures 6 and 7 , the locking cap 50 has a ring 51 extended by four flexible arms 52 having internal retaining members 53. The internal retaining members 53 are adapted to engage the circular peripheral rim 25 of the magazine 2 when the locking cap 50 is mounted on the magazine 2, as shown on the figures 8 and 9 .

The locking cap 50 thus has hooking means 55 for engaging the magazine 2 by housing the rotary cutting element 12 stacked in at least one other rotary cutting element 13, 14, 15, 16, such as that visible on the figure 8 . In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the attachment means 55 are formed by the internal retaining members 53. The circular peripheral rim 25 forms a hooking shoulder 27 of the attachment means 55 of the locking cap 50 , as shown on the figure 8 .

In addition, the locking cap 50 can carry the static cutting element 11. For this purpose the static cutting element 11 comprises retaining means 43 for engaging with the locking cap 50 so that the second means at least part of the cutting element 40 is inserted inside the rotary cutting element 12. The retaining means 43 of the static cutting element 11 on the locking cap 50 are chosen from the following categories: retaining means by locking, snap-in retaining means, retaining means by screwing, bayonet retaining means.

The locking cap 50 thus has a shape allowing at least partial insertion of the second cutting means 40 inside the rotary cutting element 12 or one of the other rotary cutting elements 13, 14, 15 , 16 stacked and retained by said locking cap 50 in engagement with the magazine 2. Furthermore, the ring 51 of the locking cap 50 has an outer collar 54 provided for hooking the hooks 46a, 47a of the static element of 11, as shown in FIG. figure 8 .

More particularly in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the retaining means 43 correspond to the locking means 41. In other words, the retaining means 43 also form the locking means 41, and vice versa. Thus the retaining means 43 comprise the latch 47 pivotally mounted on the bottom edge 46 along an axis X-X '. The retaining means 43 come from the discharge duct 45 of the static cutting element 11.

As visible on the figure 8 the retaining means 43 of the static cutting element 11 thus engage with at least one retaining member outside 56 formed by the outer flange 54 of the locking cap 50. As a result, the outer retaining member 56 surrounds one end of the locking cap 50. More particularly, the retaining means 43 engage with an upper portion of the locking cap 50. locking cap 50, as well as with a lower part of the locking cap 50. As visible on the figure 8 , the hook 46a of the bottom edge 46 and the hook 47a of the latch 47 engage with the outer flange 54. The retaining means 43 thus comprise the latch 47 and the bottom edge 46.

The apparatus according to the invention operates and is used in the following manner.

To make a cut into pieces or cubes, the user mounts the magazine 2 on the motor base 1 and then sets up the rotary cutting element 12 in the magazine 2. The user then sets up the static element of cutout 11 in the magazine 2 with the latch 47 rotated as shown on the figure 3 , so that the hook 46a of the lower edge 46 engages the lower part of the circular peripheral rim 25 of the magazine 2, as visible on the figure 4 . The user then pivots the latch 47, so that the hook 47a engages the upper portion of the circular peripheral rim 25 of the magazine 2. To facilitate the retention of the hook 46a of the lower rim 46, the lower portion of the peripheral rim circular 25 has a flat; to facilitate the introduction and removal of the hook 47a of the latch 47, the upper part of the circular peripheral rim 25 is rounded on each side, as visible on the figure 4 .

To perform other types of cutting, the user sets up another rotary cutting element 13, 14, 15, 16 in the magazine 2.

To store the various food cutting accessories, the user first stacks the other rotary cutting elements 13, 14, 15, 16 and then the rotary cutting element 12 in the magazine 2, sets up the cover of lock 50 on the magazine 2, then puts in place the static cutting element 11 in the locking cap 50 with the latch 47 pivoted such that shown on the figure 3 , so that the hook 46a of the bottom edge 46 engages the lower part of the outer flange 54 of the locking cap 50, as visible on the figure 8 . The user then pivots the latch 47, so that the hook 47a engages the upper portion of the outer flange 54 of the latch cover 50. The upper and lower portions of the circular peripheral flange 25 are rounded on each side . The retaining means 43 used in storage configuration do not require a maintenance as firm as the locking means 41 used in working configuration.

As a variant, the magazine 2 is not necessarily removably mounted on the motorized base 1.

As a variant, the food cutting accessories 3 comprise at least one other rotary cutting element 13, 14, 15, 16.

Alternatively, the or at least one of the other rotary cutting elements 13, 14, 15, 16 could be stacked in the rotary cutting element 12 in the storage configuration.

As a variant, the first cutting means 30 are not necessarily of the cut-and-chip type and could in particular be formed by a blade; the second cutting means 40 could in particular be formed by a grid, for making a cut into cubes or pieces.

As a variant, the rotary drive device 21 is not necessarily integral with the magazine, but could in particular be derived from the motorized base 1.

As a variant, the retaining means 43 are not necessarily identical to the locking means 41. In particular, the retaining means 43 could comprise different retaining members of the locking members of the locking means 41, since the element Static cutting 11 arranged in the rotary cutting element 12 does not require a maintenance as firm in storage configuration when mounted on the hood of lock 50 in working configuration when mounted on the magazine 2.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described, but encompasses many modifications within the scope of the claims.

Claims (15)

1. Food cutting household electrical appliance comprising a motorised base (1) attached to a magazine (2) for receiving a cutting tool (10) comprising a rotary cutting element (12) and a static cutting element (11), the rotary cutting element (12) comprising first cutting means (30) and means (33) for coupling to a rotational drive device (21) arranged in the housing (20), the static cutting element (11) comprising second cutting means (40) and locking means (41) for engaging in a fixed position with the magazine (2), the static cutting element (11) having a shape allowing it to be inserted inside the rotary cutting element (12) mounted in the housing (20) so that the second cutting means (40) overlap at least some of the foods cut by the first cutting means (30) characterised in that the appliance comprises a locking cover (50) having hooking means (55) for engaging with the magazine (2) by accommodating the rotary cutting element (12) stacked in at least one other rotary cutting element (13, 14, 15, 16), and in that the static cutting element (11) comprises retaining means (43) for engaging with the locking cover (50) so that the second cutting means (40) are at least partially inserted inside the rotary cutting element (12).
2. Food cutting household electrical appliance according to claim 1, characterised in that the retaining means (43) engage with at least one outer retaining member (56) of the locking cover (50).
3. Food cutting household electrical appliance according to claim 2, characterised in that the retaining means (43) engage with an upper portion of the locking cover (50).
4. Food cutting household electrical appliance according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the outer retaining member (56) surrounds one end of the locking cover (50).
5. Food cutting household electrical appliance according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the static cutting element (11) has a discharge pipe (45).
6. Food cutting household electrical appliance according to claim 5, characterised in that the retaining means (43) come from the discharge pipe (45) of the static cutting element (11).
7. Food cutting household electrical appliance according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the discharge pipe (45) is bounded by a lower edge (46) and a latch (47) pivotally mounted on the lower edge (46) along an axis X-X', and in that the retaining means (43) comprise the latch (47).
8. Food cutting household electrical appliance according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the retaining means (43) comprise the lower edge (46).
9. Food cutting household electrical appliance according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the retaining means (43) of the static cutting element (11) on the locking cover (50) are selected from the following categories: retaining means by locking, retaining means by clipping, retaining means by screwing, retaining means by bayonet.
10. Food cutting household electrical appliance according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the retaining means (43) also form the locking means (41).
11. Food cutting household electrical appliance according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the second cutting means (40) comprise a series of blades (44) extending longitudinally between the first end (31) and the second end (32) of the rotary cutting element (12) when the cutting tool (10) is mounted in the housing (20) of the magazine (2).
12. Food cutting household electrical appliance according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the first cutting means (30) comprise at least one slicing member (35).
13. Food cutting household electrical appliance according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the first cutting means (30) comprise at least one series of blades (36) substantially perpendicular to the generatrices of the wall of revolution (34) of the rotary cutting element (12).
14. Food cutting household electrical appliance according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the rotational drive device (21) comprises a pin (22) capable of cooperating by one of its ends with a drive output (18) of the motorised base (1) and carrying at its other end a male member (23) adapted to engage a female drive hole formed in the second end (32) of the rotary cutting element (12).
15. Food cutting household electrical appliance according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the magazine (2) has an open end (24) through which the cutting tool (10) is inserted, said open end (24) comprising a circular peripheral edge (25) forming a shoulder (26) for latching the locking means of the static cutting element (11).

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